Here’s some good old-fashioned irony: You’re probably going to need a stiff drink after reading this news about red wine’s health benefits. Except, that drink really won’t be doing you any favors (aside from maybe calming your anxiety about its lack of health benefits). Turns out, red wine is not the longevity-boosting miracle holy liquid we so wish it was. It’s more like a lie-right-in-your-face scam artist. Oh, red wine. We trusted you. We treated you like family. No, like royalty. Like the superstar we thought you were.

Okay, maybe I’m getting a little too emotional—and, red wine does have some notable health effects even if the list stops at “a relaxing as hell way to end a day.” But studies have found red wine to be beneficial in promoting heart health, perhaps even reducing inflammation throughout the body and aiding with weight loss goals. But making you live longer? Not even if you drank red wine every day, apparently. (Or several times a day, or all day.)

Resveratrol, a potent polyphenol found in red wine and hailed as a miracle chemical that can boost health, most notably by extending life, was the subject of a recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. And according to the research team’s findings, red wine didn’t extend the life of the wine-drinking Tuscan senior citizens studied for the research.

The study was led by Dr. Richard Semba of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and tracked resveratrol levels (in the urine) of nearly 800 subjects over age 65 for a nine-year period. All the subjects lived in Chianti, Italy. And according to TakePart, “those with higher levels of Sangiovese-derived resveratrol were no less likely to have high inflammation levels, develop cancer or cardiovascular disease, or die.” As the researchers explained, “Resveratrol levels achieved with a Western diet did not have a substantial influence on health status and mortality risk of the population in this study.”

In fact, if resveratrol has any life-extending benefits, you’d have to drink so much red wine, that, well, you would die of alcohol poisoning, which would surely put a damper on your whole life-extension goals. Experts estimate the benefits of resveratrol for life-extension are somewhere around 100 to 1,000 times what we get in a (typical) glass of wine. And while researchers are working on ways to concentrate resveratrol at those life-extending levels (and put them in pills, not wine), there’s simply no substitute for a glass of wine, even if it’s only stealing moments of our fleeting, precious life away–it’s still totally worth it, right?

Forget country vineyards. The cool kids are all making urban wine in the midst of metropolitan chaos. From Portland to Los Angeles, winemakers are proving that wine doesn't have to be made in the traditional, bucolic vineyard setting. If you have the know-how, can get good grapes and construct a decent set up, even if it's in a garage, you can make wine.

Forget country vineyards. The cool kids are all making urban wine in the midst of metropolitan chaos. From Portland to Los Angeles, winemakers are proving that wine doesn’t have to be made in the traditional, bucolic vineyard setting. If you have the know-how, can get good grapes and construct a decent set up, even if it’s in a garage, you can make wine.

Like your white wine to have an undertone of artisan? Then you’ll fit right in at the upcoming Garagiste Wine Festival in Los Angeles. A celebration of small-scale, artisan vintners, the July 12th festival will welcome more than 40 winemakers and winery owners, all of whom produce fewer than 1,500 cases a year.

According to the festival’s website, Garagiste is a “term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their garage, who refused to follow the “rules.'” In the U.S., you can liken it to the rising popularity of the craft beer movement. Individuals doing things just a little differently than the big names in the business.

But wine has always been a little different than beer. A home brew set up seems far less intimidating than a home winemaking set up. There are many that are up for the challenge though, and if you want to see them all in action, to Los Angeles you must go. As the Garagiste Festival puts it, this is “the cutting edge of small production winemaking with no rules.”

It’s no surprise that such a movement would take off in the US. For one, we like our independence, and the chance to do things differently and challenge the status quo is a chance that shouldn’t be turned down. Secondly, we love our wine. In fact, we’re now ahead of France as the largest wine consuming nation, accounting for some $36 billion a year.

So if you love your white wine, or your red wine, or your bubbles, but you want to ensure you’re getting the funkiest, edgiest wines, keep a lookout for all those unknown names, that will hopefully be coming to a tasting room near you. And for those in LA: put the urban wine extravaganza: the Garagiste Festival on your calendar. Because these days, it’s cooler if no one knows the name of the winery that’s marked on the bottle. Small-scale, big taste, good story. That’s what the garagistes are all about.

Red wine has long been associated with a number of health benefits. Not to mention that it’s one of my favorite healthy vices. That is--red wine in moderation can bring great joy (like chocolate, but better) at same time, when overdone it’s a vice beyond belief. Antioxidants, particularly a polyphenol called resveratrol, prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high density lipoproteins and protecting against artery damage. Light to moderate drinking is associated with a longer life. Additionally, a Mediterranean diet, consisting of 1-2 glasses of wine per day for women and 2-3 for men, is also linked to a longer, healthier life.

The benefits of red wine have long been one of its best selling points. It’s one of my favorite healthy vices. That is–red wine in moderation can bring great joy (like chocolate, but better) at same time, when overdone it’s a vice beyond belief.

Antioxidants, particularly a polyphenol called resveratrol, may help to prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high density lipoproteins and protecting against artery damage.

However, research on resveratrol has been done mostly on animals, not humans. For example, it showed in both mice and pigs that the antioxidant protects against obesity and diabetes. It also showed that resveratrol reduced inflammation and blood clotting. Researchers aren’t sure if the benefits of red wine are long term, or whether they only occur directly after consuming wine. The antioxidant can also be found in grapes, peanuts, blueberries and cranberries.

Drink in moderation or don’t drink at all. As a moderate drinker, consider that a true glass of wine is 5 ounces and women cannot metabolize alcohol like men, so they can’t drink as much. Doctors say that you shouldn’t start drinking for the health benefits and they stress that drinking too much can cause a host of health problems including increased blood pressure and triglycerides, liver damage, obesity and certain types of cancer.

In order to enjoy the health benefits of red wine you have to find the sweet spot on a U-shaped curve–neither too much or too little. This U-shaped curve occurs often in health. The same is true of exercise and food consumption. You need to exercise, but too much exercise puts undue impact on your body. You also need to eat, if you don’t you’ll starve, but at the same time, too much food makes you fat. Bottom line–cheers moderately and you’ll enjoy the health benefits of a good glass of red wine.

The affirmation that a glass of red wine a day is a healthy part of a well-rounded diet probably has had you clambering for your favorite bottles for some time now. But as summer approaches, it might be white wine and not red that's struck your fancy. While there's certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of chilled white or rosé, take advantage of the health benefits of red all the way through the summer with three delicious red wine cocktails.

The affirmation that a glass of red wine a day is a healthy part of a well-rounded diet probably has had you clambering for your favorite bottles for some time now. But as summer approaches, it might be white wine and not red that’s struck your fancy. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of chilled white or rosé, take advantage of the health benefits of red all the way through the summer with three delicious red wine cocktails.

1. Sparkling Red Wine Cocktail

Start out with this delicious sparkling red wine cocktail from Martha Stewart. It takes advantage of the naturally sparkling quality of Lambrusco wine, an Italian red. Sweetened with sugar and sparkling orange juice, this cocktail is perfect for enjoying alongside hors d’oeuvres all summer long. The addition of cinnamon is a perfect warming touch for fall, but you can feel free to exclude it in the spring and summer months.

2. Cardinal Cocktail

You may have already tried a cousin of the Cardinal cocktail: a kir is a French cocktail combining white wine and crème de cassis; the kir royale subs white wine with Champagne. As for the cardinal, it’s the version of the drink that uses red wine instead of white. This combination of cassis and red wine is perfectly sweet. Float a blackberry or black currant in the drink as a garnish.

3. Tinto de Verano

Tinto de verano is Spanish for “summer red wine.” This cocktail was made for summertime! A play on the traditional wine spritzer, this drink combines lemon-lime soda and red wine for a delicious and refreshing beverage. The version drunk by the youth of Spain, particularly in the Basque country, is known as calimotxo and is made with cola instead of soda.

If you’re still looking for more red wine cocktails, try some of our personal favorites from the OA archives:

We've all heard by now about how a glass of red wine is filled with antioxidants and can help your general health. But red wine is, of course, a pleasure too. Consider working your favorite red wine into a weekday meal, by using it to help dress up your meatless Monday dishes. Here are some of our very favorite red wine recipes from all over the web this week.

We’ve all heard by now about how a glass of red wine is filled with antioxidants and can help your general health. But red wine is, of course, a pleasure too. Consider working your favorite red wine into a weekday meal, by using it to help dress up your meatless Monday dishes. Here are some of our very favorite red wine recipes from all over the web this week.

Risotto is traditionally made with a splash of white wine, but this red wine risotto with roasted pumpkin takes on the wine’s deep color. Winter squash may slowly be disappearing from your local farmstand, but as local peas and asparagus come into season, you can feel free to sub them into this delicious, rich dish.

Image courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research

Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock to make our braised mushrooms vegetarian and just as delicious. The red wine infuses baby bella mushrooms with flavor, and the added herbs keep the red wine from becoming too overwhelming a flavor. Accompany them with an omelette or fried egg, and dinner is served!

Image: Emily Monaco

In much the same way, broccoli can be braised in red wine, this time with the addition of pecorino cheese. This Sicilian drowned broccoli recipe, served atop a crusty slice of bread, is more than hearty enough to be a nice, warming late winter dinner.

As for cocktails, why not sample our very own winter sangria? Finish off the last of your winter citrus, and have a cocktail to celebrate the end of another Monday… and a successful meatless meal!

Calling all winos! There's now more you can do with wine than just imbibing it. Whether it's a newly opened bottle or an already opened one that is becoming increasingly bitter neglected in the depths of the fridge, there are many ways besides drinking wine to get the most bang per ounce. From a buzz-worthy bath to removing carpet stains, wine is your newest household essential.

Calling all winos! There’s now more you can do with wine than just imbibing it. Whether it’s a newly opened bottle or an already opened one that is becoming increasingly bitter neglected in the depths of the fridge, there are many ways besides drinking wine to get the most bang per ounce. From a buzz-worthy bath to removing carpet stains, wine is your newest household essential.

In terms of is use as a household item, wine is relevant due to its alcohol and acidity, which are effective at combating E. coli and staphylococcus. This makes it a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners such as bleach. Wine also contains the powerful antioxidant resveretrol, which contributes to a host of benefits, for both inner and outer beauty and health. So pop that bottle and get creative with these 20 unusual ways to use wine.

1. Take a Bath

Pour a glass of red wine into your next bath water and watch your skin transform – it will soften, firm, and develop increased elasticity. Red wine’s powerful antioxidant, resveratrol, is responsible for this effect.

2. Make Wine Vinegar

Pour a bottle of commercial vinegar into a glass jar, such as a Mason jar. The only prerequisite is that the chosen vinegar have gummy-like substances that form at the top or in the liquid of the vinegar – these particles are usually orange and are the so-called “mother of vinegar.” Organic or raw vinegars work best. Add leftover wine to the vinegar mixture. Feel free to mix several wines together as long as you separate red and whites. Cover the glass jar with a paper towel or cheese cloth and hold it in place with a rubber band. Allow the jar to remain at room temperature in a dark area, away from other foods. Store for at least 1 week. Stir before tasting and whenever it has reached the desired level of sourness, you can remove the newly formed “mother of vinegar” substances and store the vinegar in the refrigerator to stop fermentation. Use in salad dressings, marinades and sauces.

3. Whisk Up Vinaigrette

Add a buzz to your next salad. Add white wine – up to two tablespoons – to your favorite vinaigrette for an extra oomph. A basic recipe is to combine 2 tablespoons white wine with the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon mustard, ¼ cup olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Poach Pears

Infuse pears with the rich flavor of red wine through poaching. Peel and slice five bosc or Anjou pears. Set aside. In a saucepan over high heat, combine 1.5 cups of red wine, ¾ cups of sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add the pears. Cook for another 10 minutes until the pears become tender. Remove the pears and allow them to cool. Continue to boil the wine mixture until it reduces by half. Serve the pears with the wine sauce poured over. Pair them with crème fraiche.

5. Dye Cloth and Clothing

Give your fabrics a crafty look by staining them with wine in the artistic way you choose. It will provide them with a Boho look reminiscent of natural, earthy tones.

6. Marinate Meat

Aside from the flavor that red wine infuses into meat when marinated, researchers have found that steeping meat in alcohol for a few hours can actually destroy carcinogenic compounds caused when the meat is cooked.

7. Add Depth to Tomato Sauce

Enhance the flavors of a homemade tomato sauce or make a store-bought brand your own with white wine. It adds extra depth and kick.

8. Go Compost

Wine is 100-percent compostable and actually works as a “starter” to working up bacteria in your compost bin.

9. Freeze into Ice Cubes

Before the last of the wine reaches its demise, pour it into an ice tray and keep it on hand for whenever you make a stew or sauce that would be enhanced with the addition of wine. They are also handy for whenever you want to cool down the same type wine that you’ve forgotten to chill before hand without diluting it.

10. Make a Hot Plate

You are a simple DIY project away from making a fun, personalized hot plate. Corks are very heat resistant. Simply stick together the side of corks using hot glue into the shape that you desire.

Bring 1 cup of red wine and ½ cup vegetable broth to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Poach 2-3 eggs for approximately 3 minutes. Make sure to use a spoon to coat the top of each egg with the liquid as it poaches to ensure even cooking. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and serve over bread or a salad. Season with salt and pepper.

13. Get Rid of Grease

Wine effectively removes pesky grease stains around the house and in the garage. The alcohol acts as an astringent, peeling away otherwise hard-to-confront stains.

14. Top Ice Cream

Either pour a drizzle of red wine over ice cream, or get a bit more creative; boil 2 cups of white wine with 3 tablespoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add about 4 cups of chopped dried fruit of choice. Mix so that all the fruit is evenly covered with the liquid and remove the pan from the heat. Let the dried fruit sit in the liquid for 20 minutes or until it rehydrates. Drain the liquid from the dried fruit and bring the liquid to a simmer until it reduces to thick syrup after 10 minutes. Use the syrup as an ice cream topping.

15. Heal Small Cuts and Bruises

Because of its high antioxidant content, wine is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It can sooth soreness around the affected area as well as remove bacteria. According to research conducted by the Department of Food Science and Technology at Oregon State University, wine has potent bacteria-fighting properties.

16. Remove Wine Stains

This sounds a bit nonsensical, but it actually takes wine to remove wine from the carpet. If you spill red wine, immediately pour white wine over the stain to dilute it and then use a towel to dab and wipe the stain clean.

17. Clean Fruit and Vegetables

Like baking soda, wine naturally cleans fruit and vegetables without the use of harsh chemicals. The alcohol dissolves impurities and other components kill off foodborne pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli.

18. Clean Glass Windows

When wine is near to being spoiled, it resembles vinegar, which means it works great in cleaning dirty glass. Add wine to a spray bottle of water and use like you would Windex.

19. Get Rid of Heartburn

Although wine in excess can cause heartburn, it only takes a small amount of light white wine, which contains sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), to reduce acidity and relieve heartburn.

20. Increase Mobility

Researchers of the American Chemical Society conducted a study that suggests wine’s powerful antioxidant reservatrol could decrease mobility deficiencies. This is good news for the aging population.

Resveratrol, the potent antioxidant found in red grapes and wine—along with chocolate, nuts and tomatoes—may hold a key in treating Alzheimer's disease, the fatal illness with no known cure and few effective treatments in easing the symptoms that currently affect more than 5 million Americans.

Resveratrol, the potent antioxidant found in red grapes and wine—along with chocolate, nuts and tomatoes—may hold a key in treating Alzheimer’s disease, the fatal illness with no known cure and few effective treatments in easing the symptoms that currently affect more than 5 million Americans.

A nationwide study on Alzheimer’s treatment is underway at 26 sites across the country and treating participants with either resveratrol or placebo capsules. The participants receiving resveratrol—which has shown the ability to protect both the body and the brain from the effects of aging associated with Alzheimer’s in clinical trials on animals—will eventually be receiving levels of resveratrol equivalent to drinking 1,000 bottles of wine in a single day—an impossible feat—but through the concentrated component in resveratrol. It could have life-changing effects according to the study’s director, Georgetown University’s R. Scott Turner.

The study will look at preventing brain cells from accumulating tangles, which are formed faster in Alzheimer’s sufferers than those with normal brain function when neurons die-off and shed a protein called tau. The researchers hope to determine whether or not the resveratrol can prevent the neuron loss that leads to the brain cell tangles in Alzheimer’s sufferers, which would be one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs in the history of the disease.

As a result of the brain trauma Alzheimer’s sufferers experience, memory loss, cognitive function and depression are common effects of the disease, often making loved ones appear as strangers, which makes the decline even more difficult for family members.

Autumn is a fine time to sit back, relax and crack open a bottle of vino to sip and savor as the days slowly grow shorter, the temperature cooler and the leaves more colorful. This time of year calls for rich and buttery wines that are strong enough to match the heartier dishes served to warm you up during cold weather. As summer’s busy energy slows into winter’s quiet snuggle, the ritual of a glass (or two!) of wine can be an ideal way to cherish the small, peaceful moments of life – and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Autumn is a fine time to sit back, relax and crack open a bottle of vino to sip and savor as the days slowly grow shorter, the temperature cooler and the leaves more colorful. This time of year calls for rich and buttery wines that are strong enough to match the heartier dishes served to warm you up during cold weather. As summer’s busy energy slows into winter’s quiet snuggle, the ritual of a glass (or two!) of wine can be an ideal way to cherish the small, peaceful moments of life – and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Many wine lovers turn to warming reds in the fall to fill the spirit with fuel and complement harvest foods like savory stews, roasted vegetables, spiced dishes and comfort cuisine. The best fall wines richly evoke their terroir, or the land they were grown in, reminding us of the blessings of the harvest and the many gifts from Mother Earth. Find your favorite wine for a brisk autumn day from our five selections below:

2004 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape – You can’t go wrong with a cozy red from the appellation Chateauneuf du Pape, and this particular Grenache-Syrah blend tastefully echoes the verdant lushness of the Rhone Valley in Southern France. Red berries and black fruits mingle with a hint of olive and earthy undertones for a palate-pleasing taste that is mature for its age. Serve Clos des Papes with pasta, game dishes or curries.

2010 Gamay, Malivoire – Malivoire is a small-lot, boutique producer in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada that uses mostly organic grapes to produce its wines. Their 2010 Gamay may be young but has a classic, non-tannin taste and a woodsy nose of cedar and juniper. With a full palate and toasty finish, this Gamay will pair well with peppery dishes like barbequed brisket, roast duck and wild boar.

2007 Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Rouge “Cuvee Gerard Potel” – For an affordable red wine that pairs well with any roasted meal, this bottle from Burgundy highlights the taste of the legendary Pinot Noir grape with added finesse from Volnay. Crisp fruits, red berries and smoky notes are supple on the palate with an elegant finish – ideal for a romantic fall dinner.

2008 Ca Rome Barbaresco Chiaramanti – From the Piedmont region of northern Italy, this special bottle is made from Nebbiolo grapes, a late-ripening fruit planted only on the warmest hillsides of the region. Expect strong tannins, a velvety mouth-feel and flavors of plum, cherry and roses. Well-balanced and able to stand up to rich dishes, serve this Barbaresco with hearty stews or enjoy with sharp, aged cheeses.

2008 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir – This silky, cool-climate red wine from the southern end of California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys is made from organic grapes and aged in French oak. Black fruits predominate, with hints of sandalwood and cinnamon as well as chocolate and clove – an indulgent autumn blend. With a medium body and even tannins, this bottle will please everyone and works equally well with a weekday dinner or all by itself at cocktail hour.

Perhaps you’re not a big fan of the red wine blend that you coughed up five whole smackers for (thanks, Trader Joes!)… or you just found out that you’re pregnant… or your sole vice in life plagues you with terrible wine-induced migrane headaches (um… some sacrifices are worth it, I guess?). Whatever reason you may find yourself scratching your head while pondering how on earth you can make the most of your remaining wine dregs, you’ve come to the right place. Behold five shiny new ways to turn that leftover juice into something that Momma Nature would be proud of:

Perhaps you’re not a big fan of the red wine blend that you coughed up five whole smackers for (thanks, Trader Joes!)… or you just found out that you’re pregnant… or your sole vice in life plagues you with terrible wine-induced migrane headaches (um… some sacrifices are worth it, I guess?). Whatever reason you may find yourself scratching your head while pondering how on earth you can make the most of your remaining wine dregs, you’ve come to the right place. Behold five shiny new ways to turn that leftover juice into something that Momma Nature would be proud of:

Sorbet, Anyone?

Not nearly as calorically dense as ice cream (thanks to its dairy-free status), sorbet is the grown-up version of an ice pop, bestowing the tongue with an explosion of cool, fruity relief on a hot summer’s day. Throwing a little wine into the mix – well, of course it’s an inspired idea! – especially if you try whipping up a little pear-red wine blend or dabble in a sensational sangria delight. You’ll ask yourself why you never ventured into DIY sorbet territory sooner once you see just how easy the process is from start to finish, and it just might keep you out of the supermarket freezer case once and for all!

Dye Some Yarn…. Or Next Year’s Easter Eggs

Unlike the deep jewel-like liquid found within a wine bottle, more of a subtle mauve tone (with a grey-pinkish-cast) can be achieved when yarn and/or eggs are dyed with grapey leftovers. For those who want to tint yarn, the tried-and-true Kool-Aid procedure works like a charm, instead using your unwanted merlot in place of the neon drink packets – just be sure to ‘glove up’ in order to prevent nails and skin from absorbing the intense grape skin pigments.

DIY Your Own Vinegar (don’t buy it)

For some, the kitchen is a true haven away from the madness of the outside world as well as the means by which gourmet visions are transformed into soul-satisfying, taste-bud titillating meals. Red wine vinegar happens to be one of those basic culinary tools that no home chef should be without, and as with countless other ingredients that often taste so much better when they’re prepared from scratch, this piquant condiment is no exception. So, whether you want to use up that bottle of Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, or unassuming yet perfectly palatable blend that comes in a 5 liter jug, it can live on in infamy courtesy of your very own DIY blend when poured on salads, cooked in stews or used as the base for vinaigrettes.

Give Plain Pasta a Flavor Boost!

Fans of French cuisine are intimately familiar with the magic that happens when red wine is added to bouef bourguignon or a simple pearl onion and wild mushroom sauté, so imagine the alchemy that results when leftover wine is added to a simple pot of spaghetti – whoa! Dazzle your significant other, family and friends by making drunken red wine pasta, a reasonably affordable yet supremely eco-friendly meal that will stimulate the senses while making everyone think that you have secret celebrity chef aspirations.

Make a Face Mask

Eating copious amounts of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can offer an insurance policy against the development of multiple chronic ailments, as can regularly indulging in green tea, dark chocolate and – surprise, surprise! – red wine, thanks to its naturally occurring phenols which are linked to cancer and heart disease prevention, reduced blood sugar levels and overall longevity. Since what we apply to our epidermal layer is absorbed into our bodies, slathering on a DIY facial mask made with red wine, green tea powder and cocoa powder can conceivably offer a health-bestowing jolt… but who says that kicking back and savoring all of that free-radical thwarting, facial rejuvenation power isn’t just plain old relaxing? Sounds like a pretty good reason to crack open another bottle!

Award winning actor, writer and director, Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada, Julie and Julia, The Lovely Bones), is bringing his excellent taste in food, wine and culture to a new public television series called VINE TALK premiering on April 7th.

Award winning actor, writer and director, Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada, Julie and Julia, The Lovely Bones), is bringing his excellent taste in food, wine and culture to a new public television series called VINE TALK premiering on April 7th.

Using his A-list Hollywood connections, the bald-but-smart-hot Tucci will host celebrity guests on each episode and lead them in a series of blind taste tests. Already confirmed for season one is a diverse list of talent including: John Lithgow, Jennifer Coolidge, Patricia Clarkson, Penn Badgely, Rosie Perez, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi and Nathan Lane. The guests will sample wines from various regions around the world that change weekly, and will compare their favorite selections with the choices picked by the live studio audience.

VINE TALK will be taped live in New York City’s WNET Studios at Lincoln Center and hopes to break the mold of past wine-focused television programming. According to a press release statement from Tucci, “It has not taken long to determine that most anyone can come together, enjoy almost any type of wine, engage in compelling conversation – and even pick up good basic wine education in the process.”

VINE TALK was created by long-time public television producer, Bruce Marcus, who felt there was a gap in current wine television offerings, saying “I created VINE TALK because the subject of wine is unapproachable for many people. What we’ve created is a comfortable and welcoming environment – for both the celebrities in the studio and the audience at home.”

VINE TALK‘s chief wine expert is Food & Wine‘s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle, who along with a rotating roster of expert sommeliers, will be on hand to discuss wines, how they’re made and the differences the regions make, as well as answer any questions from the celebrities, studio audience or the host himself.

Wines are indeed a growing interest for many market segments. We recently attended an event in LA called Wine Riot, aimed at educating a 20-something demographic about wines and regions, and there are a number of studies that suggest red wine has numerous health benefits.

Labels can cause confusion for even the most discerning of consumers. “All-natural,” “organic,” “non-GMO”; a handbook of keywords and acronyms is practically required to find the most genuine products. This label-induced uncertainty often reaches its greatest height when it comes to discovering organic wines, a task we’ve already deemed tricky. Step in Our Daily Red.

Labels can cause confusion for even the most discerning of consumers. “All-natural,” “organic,” “non-GMO”; a handbook of keywords and acronyms is practically required to find the most genuine products. This label-induced uncertainty often reaches its greatest height when it comes to discovering organic wines, a task we’ve already deemed tricky.

Step in Our Daily Red. Its producers, Orleans Hill, seem to have a hang of the labeling conundrum. “No Sulfites Detected” and “Organic” are emblazoned across the front of the bottle, which also bears the USDA Organic logo. At first glance, Our Daily Red already stands out among competitors by establishing itself as an entirely organic wine, rather than one that is simply made with organically grown grapes, which, as noted in previous articles, is different.

What’s more, Our Daily Red is entirely vegan; a rare variety that not only contains zero animal products, but is also guaranteed to have made no contact with any animal substances in the winemaking process. Unbeknownst to some wine enthusiasts, egg whites are frequently used as “fining agents” when phenolics (chemical compounds that can taint a wine’s color and taste) are removed. Historically, however, fining agents have also included such animal-free items as seaweed and clay.

Many wine drinkers might take heed of Our Daily Red’s lack of traditional fining agents and sulfites, fearing that their absences might create a lack of preservation. As indicated on Orleans Hill’s website, though, these concerns “can be avoided with modern sanitation and equipment, coupled with some experience and technique,” holding that “good wines can be made without chemical intervention.”

Additionally, Orleans Hill makes optimal use of metal screwcaps over conventional cork, the former of which helps to maintain the wine’s stability by permitting less oxygen to enter the bottle. Because contact with oxygen is what eventually causes wine’s demise, bottling methods that prevent it make for an overall better taste and greater quality.

Ironically, tasting notes indicate that Our Daily Red would be well paired with hearty, protein-rich items like cheese and beef, given its robust but lean texture; one that is achieved, according to the winery, through the use of Mendocino grapes.

Our Daily Red is typically found at Trader Joe’s, in some locations for under $10 a bottle. Ourdailyred.com advertises that the wines are currently carried by distributors in 43 states and even invites readers to request it when unavailable: “A little pull from your end, a little push from our end and we can get you the most organic and varietally correct wines available in the world.”

Even the most experienced sommelier is regularly surprised by wine. Since Biblical times, the ancient crafty work of vintners has played a critical role in society by fermenting and aging the juice of grapes. It has ceremonial and spiritual applications, medicinal properties and of course that cheek-reddening effect even the best blushes can't duplicate. It makes us feel good and goes great with almost any dinner—but only if you pick the right wine. And, nowadays, with so many varieties and styles, how do you know which ones to drink?

Even the most experienced sommelier is regularly surprised by wine. Since Biblical times, the ancient crafty work of vintners has played a critical role in society by fermenting and aging the juice of grapes. It has ceremonial and spiritual applications, medicinal properties and of course that cheek-reddening effect even the best blushes can’t duplicate. It makes us feel good and goes great with almost any dinner—but only if you pick the right wine. And, nowadays, with so many varieties and styles, how do you know which ones to drink?

Wine Riot has these same questions. As a group of twenty-something wine drinkers, they came up with a concept they hope reinvents the wine industry, and more importantly, how younger folks understand and appreciate the diversity of wines. The concept: find a big, clubby feeling space, gather a bunch of wine brands to sample out their offerings, throw in a few brief presentations about wine, hire a DJ, and of course, bring those young, curious and confused about wine. Successful in their hometown of Boston, Wine Riot brought their program to LA March 26th, and have upcoming dates scheduled throughout Boston, Chicago, New York and DC.

A few organic wines were in the mix at LA’s event, but it’s not as cut and dry as organic food. Many claim that although they use organic grapes, they still add sulfites to preserve it (not organic). Several charitable wines, a Mondavi brother and the too-quirky gimmicky Anti-Wine all proffered stories of their exceptional quality and greatness, even though the wines I sipped strongly suggested otherwise. Dr. Loosen’s is worth a bottle if you’re a fan of Riesling. They were kind enough to actually inform us about the red slate vineyards in Germany and how it affects their great tasting wine, rather than who designed the bottle’s artwork.

By far the best red was Justin’s Isosceles. It was everything you hope a glass of wine to be: complex, spicy, deep, balanced. Well, almost everything you’d hope it to be. Affordable it is not at $62 a bottle. But then, the whole event is expensive. At $60 a ticket to sample wines when vineyards do it for free, and listen to self-aggrandizing marketing people shout over a bad DJ, you’re better off investing that money in exploring wines on your own. There are an incredible number of great wines under $20. Your best bet, skip all the Riot and try a type of wine you’ve never had before while listening to a great playlist at home.

A new iPhone app, Organic Wine Find, helps you search for organic wines. Finding organic wine with another wine app, or heaven forbid, without any technology at all, may actually be harder to do than you think. Many vintners do not include the word "organic" on their product label names, making it easy to pass right by a great organic choice, and for apps that aren't specifically designed to recognize organic wines, it may be extremely challenging.

A new iPhone app, Organic Wine Find, helps you search for organic wines. Finding organic wine with another wine app, or heaven forbid, without any technology at all, may actually be harder to do than you think. Many vintners do not include the word “organic” on their product label names, making it easy to pass right by a great organic choice, and for apps that aren’t specifically designed to recognize organic wines, it may be extremely challenging.

According to Organic Wine Find’s Web site, “there’s the thousands of organic wines that don’t advertise themselves as organic,” making it an unfortunate disadvantage for organic enthusiasts who would like to try new organic wines. Says Organic Wine Finds, “behind the scenes of this deceptively simple app is a huge amount of computing power, sorting through thousands of wines, identifying the one’s that match with our database of organic vineyards, and showing appropriate vintages based on when the vineyard became organic.”

The free app offers two ways to search for wine selections: sort by list of stores and the organic options they currently sell, or see a list of organic wine availability in your regional area, then select the store you want to purchase at. Wines can be narrowed down by price, varietal, wine type and country of origin. There’s even an option with the app to shop online for organic wines at sites like wine.com.

Wines made with organically grown grapes often contain less sulfites than conventional wines (although the winemaker may have added additional sulfites), are usually produced in smaller, more well-crafted batches, and of course, they taste great. And red wine, specifically, has been shown to contain a number of powerful antioxidants and various significant health benefits including maintaining good levels of cholesterol, decreased risk of heart disease and stroke.

“Wine is sure proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Even Benjamin Franklin understood that along “early to bed, early to rise,” humans also need the sensual pleasures of wine in their lives. New sustainable practices have made your glass of vino even more guilt-free, and in 2011 we will continue to see conscious farming flourish from the bottle to the grape.

“Wine is sure proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Even Benjamin Franklin understood that along “early to bed, early to rise,” humans also need the sensual pleasures of wine in their lives. New sustainable practices have made your glass of vino even more guilt-free, and in 2011 we will continue to see conscious farming flourish from the bottle to the grape.

When considering sustainable wine trends, there are a couple of things to remember:

First, any trend in the conventional wine world is also happening over on the sustainable side of things. Secondly, sustainable wine is itself a trend, and will no doubt continue to grow as more and more consumers begin to ask questions about their food and beverage sources.

In 2011 there are several notable trends when it comes to sustainable wine.

Dessert wines are making a comeback: These sweet, Port-style syrups are dark, fortified and more versatile than you might think. With giant bouquets and fruit on the nose, many dessert wines today have a zingy freshness that pairs well not only with desserts like chocolate cake, but also with cheese dishes like gourmet pizza or Swiss raclette.

Another huge trend in the beverage world is locally produced wine, and in particular urban wineries, which go beyond the tasting room to include in-house grape processing as well. A weekend in Napa is nice, but when you can’t make a trip out to the country, then indulge in this new and convenient trend.

One to try: Thompkin Cellars in Santa Barbara, a family-run winery that crushes, ferments and bottles small-lot grapes from around the county on the premises.

Also on the hot tip of the world: wines from South America. Robust bottles from Chile, Argentina and even Uruguay are not only getting better every year, they’re getting cheaper. South African wines continue to increase in popularity as well, but when shopping for wine from these countries, be sure to purchase certified fair-trade wines.

The lower prices on these wines are a good match for Americans’ thinner wallets, with most drinkers shopping for wines that cost less than $20 per bottle.

Wine producers are backing away slightly from the mellowing Pinot Noir phenomenon, sparked of course by the movie Sideways several years ago. Though a delicious brew no doubt, Pinot Noir’s oversaturation of the market and larger-scale farming technologies have led the pendulum to swing the other way. Now many wine-producing regions are moving towards a more diverse selection of styles; however it will no doubt be a while before Merlot can live down the famous scene.

Wine producers are finally moving to un-oaked Chardonnays, though the verdict is still out on whether anything will help this dismally unhip wine’s image.

Gamay Noir is one of Europe's great red wine grapes, but it hasn't made the same inroads in North America that its cousins, such as Merlot, have enjoyed – yet. One place it's breaking ground is in Oregon's Willamette Valley, which isn't as famous as Napa or Sonoma – yet. We think both the variety and the region need to be on your radar ASAP.

Gamay Noir is one of Europe’s great red wine grapes, but it hasn’t made the same inroads in North America that its cousins, such as Merlot, have enjoyed – yet. One place it’s breaking ground is in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which isn’t as famous as Napa or Sonoma – yet. We think both the variety and the region need to be on your radar ASAP.

The grape, which can also just be called Gamay, is the fruit used in Beaujolais Nouveau, the limited-edition young wine that causes panic and near-riots among oenophiles whenever it is released.

Oregon’s Brick House Vineyards is leading the Gamay revolution in the U.S. with their three and a half acres planted with the grape (okay, it’s a small revolution, but a revolution nonetheless!). The Gamay has become its most popular wine, along with the vineyard’s Pinot Noir, another grape native to France’s Burgundy region: Willamette Valley’s climate matches Burgundy’s, making the area a good place to transfer the grapes.

The winery started out solely as an orchard, with the owner selling his certified organic grapes to a handful of neighboring winemakers. He eventually made the switch to a full-blown bearer of the bottle, and now produces his wines biodynamically as well as organically.

Brick House uses natural yeast and ferments solely through malolactation, meaning it’s not forced with synthetics. The Gamay is even more natural than the winery’s other products, as it doesn’t need added acid or sugar.

Gamay is famously fruity and floral, so it’s not everybody’s cup of… well, wine. But it doesn’t get much better than Brick House’s offering: Food & Wine magazine called it “the greatest Gamay outside of Beaujolais.” Higher praise just doesn’t exist.

For $5 a bottle, you're not going to find a better wine made with organic grapes than Sterling Vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon. And this is no Two Buck Chuck of organic wine: it's genuinely delicious. They could get away with charging more, so stockpile it before they figure that out.

]]>For $5 a bottle, you’re not going to find a better wine made with organic grapes than Sterling Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon. And this is no Two Buck Chuck of organic wine: it’s genuinely delicious. They could get away with charging more, so stockpile it before they figure that out.

Some online retailers are selling the red wine cab for much more, but Trader Joe’s once again comes to the rescue with amazing prices. The price and the taste make it a great introduction for people making their first foray into organic wine. This wine is fairly complex but not too heavy, with a bit of spice followed by some deep sweetness: more burnt caramel than fruit.

The cabernet is the star of Sterling Vineyard’s three-label “Made with Organic Grapes” line, the other two being Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc (which is also quite good). The winery is careful with their wording because organic grapes do not equal organic wine. According to the USDA and National Organic Program, the process of adding sulfites to a wine disqualifies it from carrying the USDA organic seal. It also must be noted that they do not grow organically on their own property. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though – many wineries do not.

Both Sterling and the vineyards that supply the organic grapes, Guinness McFadden, are located in Mendocino County, which has become California’s hotbed of organic winemaking. Sterling Vineyards still mostly makes conventional wines – they started in an era where the general public wasn’t too worried about pesticides – but this venture into the organic world can be read as a business experiment.

It hasn’t been so universally successful that they’re ready to move entirely to organic grapes. That part is probably ultimately up to the consumer. But it is still a step in the earth-friendly direction, and can be applauded.